Alexandre Birman Adds Italian Production

While the designer will continue to produce the majority of his collection in his native Brazil, Birman has also started producing in Italy to control costs for international vendors, as well as boost aesthetic, quality and comfort for several styles.

“The partnership with our Italian factory has been more of an exchange of technologies, technique and information, rather than a change of production,” Birman said. “My shoes are still made in Brazil, where we own our factories, but some of the styles are also made in Italy.”

Price points for the main collection average $650, while the made-in-Italy styles retail for about $850.

The designer explained that while he has been delivering product from Brazil shipping to Europe, the Middle East and Asia poses more of a challenge than it does to the Americas. Being able to deliver from Italy allows Birman to keep his exotic skin styles at competitive price points while catering to a new market.

His brand is now available at Lane Crawford and On Pedder in Hong Kong, Harvey Nichols and Saks Fifth Avenue in Dubai, and Beymen in Turkey.

Producing some styles in Italy has also elevated Birman’s position in the U.S. market, he said. This season the designer’s collection will move from the fifth floor at Bergdorf Goodman to the main shoe salon.

“Now all of the retailers view my collection with the same perspective, at the same level as some of the most prestigious shoe designers in the world,” he said.

Alexandre Birman’s collection is also available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus in the U.S. and on Net-a-Porter.com.